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Whangaparaoa Peninsula


Whangaparaoa is Maori for "Bay of Whales", and pods of orca and dolphin are still spotted in the waters off the peninsula.  The peninsula stretches east for 11 kilometres into the waters of the Hauraki Gulf to the north of East Coast Bays. The island of Tiritiri Matangi lies three kilometres off its eastern tip.

The town of Whangaparaoa sits on the peninsula's southwestern shore, and is regarded as the start of the section of coastline known as the Hibiscus Coast. Communities along the peninsula include Red Beach, Stanmore Bay, and Manly. At the end of the peninsula is Shakespear Regional Park.

For those that value spending time at the beach with the family or simply as a spot for relaxation the Whangaparaoa is perfect.  Red Beach, Stanmore Bay, Big Manly, Tindalls Bay, Fishermans Cove, Army Bay, Te Haruhi Bay, Matakatia, Little Manly, Arkles Bay and Shakespear National Park. With 10 beaches and bays and a fantastic national parks all within a close drive you will always have something to do with the family.

The peninsula has continued to develop in the last twenty years as more people want to take advantage of the superb lifestyle on offer.  This development has grown to include a thriving shopping center, movie theatres, and a library and community center.  The Whangaparaoa Peninsula is home to three golf courses, the most renowned being the Gulf Harbour Country Club. 

Many residents commute to the business areas of the Auckland CBD, the North Shore and the rapidly growing Albany Basin, a drive of only 40 minutes outside of peak time.

 

At the end of the peninsular is the reknown destination of Gulf Harbour.

Gulf Harbour is one of the most unique marine theme master planned communities in the New Zealand and all of south pacific. Surrounded by the sparkling waters of the Hauraki Gulf and featuring simply breathtaking ocean views through to Auckland city, Gulf Harbour remains one of the most impressive locations to live located only 40 minutes north of Auckland.

Winding through the Gulf Harbour community is the one of New Zealand’s best golf courses. Famous for the New Zealand golfing open it is exceptionally popular with pro and amateur golfers alike and offers a perfect back drop to the marine lifestyle of Gulf Harbour. Capping off Gulf Harbour’s major features is the Gulf Harbour Deep Water marina. Offering well over 1000 berths it’s recognized as being the second largest in the all of the southern hemisphere.

The vibrant shopping centre in Gulf Harbour’s own Town Centre features convenience stores, hairdressers, pharmacy, cafes, and restaurants and is a major draw card for those living in Gulf Harbour.

There are also regular commuter ferry’s from Gulf Harbour to the heart of Auckland’s CBD – a lovely way to get down to work for those who need to.  For serious boaties there are further marine orientated services are available within the Gulf Harbour Marina complex.

The Gulf Harbour golf course, described by its designer Robert Trent-Jones Jnr as one of his best, is the focal point of the Gulf Harbour Country Club. Venue of the World Cup of Golf in 1998 and NZ Golf Open in 2006, the pristine fairways and magnificent views are sure to impress even the non-golfer.

With a world class marina, country club and international standard golf course, along with activities that include swimming, diving, boating and fishing, an amazing lifestyle is on offer at Gulf Harbour.